ABSTRACT
Computers have been used extensively in the eld of pharmacokinetics as instructional tool, in addition to simulations, data analysis, and dosage calculation. Pharmacokinetic classes are ideal for computer-based instruction because the different pharmacokinetic parameters that govern the drug concentration-time prole in the body can be related together by mathematical expressions. This makes graphical presentation of the drug concentration-time prole very useful for presenting the interplay between the different pharmacokinetic parameters. Computer-based pharmacokinetic simulations can be used for educational as well as research purposes. Pharmacokinetic simulations can be used to visualize how the change in any of the pharmacokinetic parameters can affect the drug concentration-time pro-le in the body, which can be useful for understanding the basic pharmacokinetic concepts. For research, simulations of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) factors that can affect drug absorption have been used to predict the absorption of compounds with different properties. Besides, simulation of the drug concentration-time pro-les in different body organs based on in vitro tissue distribution information have been used for developing physiologically based pharmacokinetic models (PBPK). Furthermore, simulation of the expected drug pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior under different drug administration conditions is used for guiding the design of clinical studies.
